Inexpensive dining

[bustour]

I know that it might be too much to ask, but are there any cheap places to eat around Walt Disney World?
Overall, are the restaurants more on the expensive side or can bargains be found?
I will be with a couple of kids and another family, so kid-friendly restaurants would be nice.

[scheda]

Well since you are in Orlando, many of the places are going to be kind of expensive. You need to take a trip down I-Drive though. Keep an eye out for small non-chain places. There are a lot of great italian restaurants on this road.

Also, while there, make sure to check out the world's largest McDonalds. It's two floors and the second floor is all games. They even have a pretty friggin cool automated fry dispenser

[Hypnotique]

Italian food would definitely be a must for me when visiting Orlando, thanks for that tip. I will find myself going down I-drive to check this out. As far as the world's largest Mcdonalds, this would be another visit I would have to make when I'm there as well. I might end up playing games more than eating. Didn't even know they had an automated fry dispenser. How does this work? Leave it to Ronald Mcdonald to come up with the creative ideas as well.

[quinda]

I like to check out independant places, but I get food poisoning really really easy. This might seem wierd, but are there any places to AVOID? Or is it the case in Orlando that you can get away with just exploring anywhere that looks nice?

I'd just hate to miss out on a real experience through fear of experimenting, but I don't want another trip ruined because I spend it all back in the hotel feeling ill

[45ish]

Okay, this is really interesting news. The worlds largest Mc Donalds? I was recently miffed at McDonalds in my town because the did not have the Monopoly game pieces and said they were not getting any more either. But that's besides the point. Sorry for going off topic!

Anyhow, I plan on eating seafood the whole time I'm in Florida in my upcoming trip. I guess I could eat at McDonalds at least once so that I can see this with my own eyes. I'm sure it's a kid pleaser I'll have a fish sandwich.

I'll also pay attention to what you refer to as I Drive. I'll be looking for bargains on crab legs and lobster, of course. Thanks for the tips!

[Hypnotique]

Originally Posted by 45ish

Okay, this is really interesting news. The worlds largest Mc Donalds? I was recently miffed at McDonalds in my town because the did not have the Monopoly game pieces and said they were not getting any more either. But that's besides the point. Sorry for going off topic!

Anyhow, I plan on eating seafood the whole time I'm in Florida in my upcoming trip. I guess I could eat at McDonalds at least once so that I can see this with my own eyes. I'm sure it's a kid pleaser I'll have a fish sandwich.

I'll also pay attention to what you refer to as I Drive. I'll be looking for bargains on crab legs and lobster, of course. Thanks for the tips!

Looks like someone is a seafood addict. I like eating seafood every once in a while, well maybe more often than that. Out of curiosity since your McDonald's doesn't even have Monopoly game pieces, where do you go to eat seafood? Just interested and hope you don't say the fish sandwich at McDonald's is as close as you get. lol Which I know this isn't true for a seafood addict like you.

[45ish]

I do like seafood alot but rarely get to eat it. So that's why I am planning to enjoy seafood the whole time I'm in florida.

As far as seafood dining goes in my area, we do have the Red Lobster for dining. And then we have a few other places that have buffet style seafood, but thats not usually so fun because you have to pick at your shrimp and the other seafood is usually fried instead of broiled. So not as tasty.

I plan on treating my self nicely with seafood when I make my trip towards the ocean.

[spondishy]

As far as budget dining goes there are a few options. The likes of Sizzler and Ponderosa do buffet style meals. At the top of I-Drive is Sweet Tomatoes which does a buffet style salad bar, soup and pasta bar suitable for vegetarians.

If your looking for Italian, the Olive Garden is worth a visit (you get complimentary garlic bread and side salad when you visit).

[Hypnotique]

I think I would definitely be stopping in at the Ponderosa, have heard nothing but good things about that restaurant. The good ole Olive Garden would suit me perfectly for the Italian craving, have to love the complimentary garlic bread and salad bar. I'd be more into the garlic bread myself, not too fond of salad bars (although I might grab a small salad).

[quinda]

Mmm, I love Sizzler - it was my favourite place to eat out when I was in LA last year.

Is Sizzler classed as fast food or a restraunt to people from America? I ask because I always get laughed at by friends online when I mention Sizzler as being a really nice place to eat.

Nice to know they have them in Orlando

I haven't been to a Ponderosa yet - I'll remember to check that out.